Growers welcome international statement on plant breeding innovations

OTTAWA (November 2, 2018) – Grain Growers of Canada welcomed the announcement that Canada, along with like minded countries from around the world, have signed an international statement on agricultural applications of precision biotechnology. The international statement recognizes the potential benefits this technology can bring and the need for regulatory frameworks that encourage research and minimize potential disruptions to trade.

“Growers are excited about the potential of new plant breeding innovations,” said GGC President Jeff Nielsen. “We are pleased that the Government of Canada is playing an international leadership role on this important issue. We look forward to also seeing progress here at home.”

Plant breeding innovation includes tools like gene editing systems that can bring new varieties to the market faster and with lower costs than ever before. These varieties have the potential to be higher yielding, healthier for consumers and the environment, and improve food security while continuing to maintain Canada’s high expectations for safety.

“This international agreement shows that there is support around the world for the future of plant breeding,” said Doug Sell, Chair of GGC’s Sustainability and Sound Science Committee. “Growers in Canada look forward to using new varieties produced by these latest plant breeding techniques and this international statement is a step in that direction.”

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through it’s 16 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations